INDIAN POWDER FLASK

INDIAN POWDER FLASK

A captivating example of historical craftsmanship, this Indian Powder Flask embodies the artistry of Western India during the late 18th to early 19th century. With its elegant fusion of mother-of-pearl and bone, this antique work of art reflects the distinct regional style for which Gujarat is renowned.

Origin: Western India (possibly Gujarat)
Date: 18th–19th century
Material: Mother-of-pearl and bone

Dimensions: Height 19 cm, Width 17 cm, Depth 10 cm

Condition: Excellent overall with a pleasing patina and minimal restoration.

Powder flasks were essential accessories for Indian nobility and dignitaries during the Mughal and later periods, frequently commissioned as display pieces of wealth and sophistication. This particular example draws comparison to notable works featured in the Victoria and Albert Museum and leading private collections, where similar specimens highlight the unique use of luxurious materials and regional techniques.

Notable Features:

• Exquisite craftsmanship is evident in the painstaking inlay of mother-of-pearl, creating a gleaming, iridescent surface that contrasts delicately with the finely carved bone accents.
• The flask’s elegant contours and harmonious proportions are characteristic of Gujarat workmanship from the period, where both functional and aesthetic concerns are superbly balanced.
• As a rare survivor with distinguished provenance, antique powder flasks such as this are highly sought after by collectors of Indian works of art, owing to their decorative value and scarcity.
• Ideal for display in a curated collection, as a statement decorative piece, or as a focal point in an interior with an interest in Asian art and historical craftsmanship.

This Indian Powder Flask offers an intriguing glimpse into the traditions of decorative art from Western India and would make a refined addition to any collection of antique works of art. Its historical significance and exceptional artistry render it not just a functional relic, but a remarkable testament to Indian craftsmanship of the 18th and 19th centuries.